GCHS junior, Mason Furst, was among a select group of Eastern Kentucky students selected for the 2022 UPIKE PEPP program. The Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP) was established by the Kentucky General Assembly for the purpose of increasing the number and proportion of students from medically underserved rural areas of the commonwealth who apply to, are accepted by, and graduate from medical school. The PEPP program at Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) at Pikeville, KY annually enrolls approximately 15-20 high school students in a one-week summer residential program that offers participants a variety of educational experiences targeted to enhance their personal interest in a medical career, add to their understanding of the elements of a medical education, and expand their awareness of how medicine is practiced in a rural setting. Typically, PEPP program activities include lectures, anatomical laboratory sessions, volunteer work at Pikeville Medical Center, and participation in social and cultural events.
A 4.0 student, Mason excels in science and mathematics and has always had an interest in a career as a medical doctor. Mason is active in numerous school and community activities. He serves as Vice President of the Beta Club, Treasurer of HOSA (Health Occupational Students of America), and is a member of the Band, Orchestra, Mock Trial Team, KYA (Kentucky Youth Assembly), Academic Team, and Superintendent Student Council. As a leader in his HOSA organization, Mason placed second in the state in a pathophysiology assessment, enabling him to attend the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Nashville, TN in June. In the community, Mason is an active member of the Paramount Players and has assumed the lead role in multiple local theatrical productions. In addition, he was selected to participate in educational opportunities through the Greenup County Extension Service that promote artistic and cultural awareness in the community.
Mason stated, “The PEPP program is phenomenal. It grants students the opportunities to shadow, learn, and gain hands-on experience with an extensive amount of medical involvement. One of the highlights of my time at PEPP was observing various surgical procedures and shadowing a pathologist as he biopsied tissues from those procedures. In addition, we studied bodily systems by dissection of a human cadaver. My experience there truly cemented my desire to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. I would truly recommend this program for any student interested in a career in medicine”.